About CT Scans

What Is a CT Scan?

Computed axial tomography, often called a CT or CAT scan, is used to image the human body. The CT scan uses x-rays and computers to produce a cross-sectional image of the body. Imagine the body as a loaf of bread and you are looking at one end of the bread. As you remove each slice of bread, you can see the entire surface of that slice from the crust to the center. The body is seen on CT scan slices in a similar fashion from the skin to the central part of the body being examined.

When these levels are further added together, a three-dimensional picture of an organ or abnormal body structure can be obtained. A series of such images can create a multidimensional view of the body.

A CT scan can be performed on most parts of the body. It has the advantage of being able to distinguish more tissue densities than conventional x-rays and allows us to visualize tissues, muscles, organs, blood vessels, and bones.

Common Uses

Just as with x-rays, there are many uses for CT scans. The following are some more common uses:

Visual aid to certain surgical procedures such as biopsy or needle aspiration

Safety

All of our equipment is maintained by highly trained service engineers and meets or exceeds the operating specifications set forth by the manufacturers and the federal government.

If you are pregnant or think you might be, please tell the staff before the test. As with other medical procedures, x-rays are safe when used with care. Radiologists and CT technologists have been trained to use the minimum amount of radiation necessary to obtain the needed results. The amount of radiation used in most examinations is very small and the benefits may greatly outweigh the risk of harm.

Other safety considerations:

Are breast-feeding. You will need to use formula for 1 to 2 days if you are given contrast so that you do not pass the contrast to your baby. You should discard any breast milk you collect during this time.

Are allergic to any medicines, including iodine dyes.

Have a heart condition, such as heart failure.

Have diabetes or take metformin (Glucophage) for your diabetes.

Have had kidney problems.

Have asthma.

Have had thyroid problems.

Have had multiple myeloma.

Have had an X-ray test using barium contrast material (such as a barium enema) or have taken a medicine that contains bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol) in the past 4 days. Barium and bismuth show up on X-ray films and make it difficult to see the picture clearly.

Become very nervous in small spaces. You need to lie still inside the CT scanner, so you may need a medicine (sedative) to help you relax.

Pediatric Patients

Experienced Radiologists and technologists dedicated to imaging pediatric patients utilize state of the art equipment and pediatric specific protocols.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.